Doubling in size: ‘Everything Under the Sun’ parade’s second year

INCLUDES JOYFUL, MOVING VIDEO | Lots of folks came from outer East Portland to participate in this eccentric procession …

More than twice the participants gather to march in the 2nd annual “Everything Under the Sun Parade”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Buoyed by the success of last year’s first effort, when it was over last June, the organizers of the “Everything Under the Sun Parade” immediately began planning the second parade – held this year on Saturday, June 14th.

As before, the participants gathered in the northeast corner of Sellwood Park – under sunny skies – to assemble their puppets and props, sorting out the parade order, as they got ready for the march to begin.

Llewellyn School students Johnny, August, and Rex – with their MUSE Band – rehearse with their leader, Catarina New Martin.

“Like last year, our ‘Everything Under the Sun Parade’ is a ‘people-powered parade’, led by a giant paper mâché sun puppet, and featuring people in costumes, walking with colorful puppets, accompanied by music – in a way that embodies the spirit of art and community resilience,” Parade Director Kate Duffly said.

Enjoy this colorful parade in our video:

“We had more than twice the number of people than participated last year! This time the parade hosted 19 ‘official entries’, some of them with up to 15 people each, adding up to a total of about 225 individuals – including folks who just showed up on the day of with their puppets and costumes,” shared Duffly.

Families from Tumbleweed Preschool are dressed up and ready to march in the parade.

“New this year – as our inaugural ‘Featured Community Partner’ – we welcomed Hygiene4All, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hygiene services to those in need,” Duffly told East Portland News. “And Reed College student volunteers built their entry’s puppets to reflect the generosity and hospitable joy that is at the heart of H4A’s work.”

Led by Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officers, the procession made its way eastward along the Oaks Bottom Bluff to SE 13th Avenue, turning south through the Sellwood Business District, before turning on Malden Street and looping back to the park.

Before the second “Everything Under the Sun Parade” steps off, the banner-carriers stand ready for the procession to begin.

After the parade, Duffly reflected, “I thought it went so well! One could really tell that the joyful vibe was palpable throughout the parade among the participants, as well as for those who watched it, as we went by.”

The “Everything Under the Sun Parade” is on the march along the Oaks Bottom Bluff.

Here’s the entry for the Hygiene4All, organization, this year’s inaugural ‘Featured Community Partner’ in the parade.

“Our incredible volunteer ‘Parade Brigade’ team this year included Molly Anderson, Tori Boldt, Tamar Hammer, Abby Shrader, Cecile Szollas, and our Parade Producer, Aaron Rosenblum,” remarked Duffly.

This year’s parade was supported by the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League, Sellwood Moreland Business Alliance and Reed College, Duffly acknowledged.

Here comes more of the “Everything Under the Sun Parade”, passing south through the 13th Avenue Sellwood business district.

“Look for us again next year, and plan to participate,” Duffly encouraged our readers. Stay in touch by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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